Siblings Eagerly Anticipate Olympic Opportunity
Ukaleq and Sondre Slettemark can hardly contain their excitement. Fresh off the final counting races at the World Cup in Ruhpolding, anticipation for the 2026 Olympics is buzzing just beneath their skin.
Having already qualified, the official announcement naming them to Denmark’s Olympic team feels more like a formality than a milestone.
“It’s incredibly exciting, and we can’t wait,” Ukaleq shares, her voice tinged with enthusiasm. “Antholz is a wonderful place, and just the thought of competing in the Olympics there gives me butterflies.”
The Winter Games are slated to take place from February 6 to 22 in Antholz, Italy, an internationally acclaimed biathlon center.
A Norwegian Championship of Unity
For Ukaleq, who made her Olympic debut in Beijing 2022, the upcoming event holds special significance.
“Competing under the Danish flag and representing the Commonwealth means a lot to us,” she reflects. “We want to showcase Greenland on an international platform and emphasize our unity with Denmark.”
Normally, Ukaleq wears Greenland’s flag with pride, but at the 2026 Olympics, she will don the Danish colors instead—her heart full of Greenlandic pride still shining through.
“The ICC stipulates that only independent nations recognized by the UN can compete under their flags,” she explains. “Since Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, we will represent Denmark. While I would have loved to wear the Greenlandic flag, I’m grateful that it’s our Danish heritage on display—rather than an American one.”
This stance is especially poignant for the Slettemark siblings given the political backdrop. The topic of Greenland’s autonomy has been a point of contention, largely amplified by remarks made by former U.S. President Donald Trump.
“It’s frustrating to navigate the intersection of politics and sports, but I refuse to let my voice go silent,” Ukaleq asserts, determination etched in her features. “I want to harness this moment to express our pride in our identity as Greenlanders and our commitment to Denmark and the Commonwealth.”
Sporting Heritage Woven into Their Uniforms
Even wearing the Danish flag won’t erase their Greenlandic roots. They will compete in uniforms inspired by Tunniit, the northern lights, and the Greenlandic flag—a powerful statement of their origins.
“The design reflects Tunniit, traditional Inuit tattoos, and our national colors,” Ukaleq says, her eyes lighting up. “Wearing it feels like honoring our roots.”
Despite efforts by the Danish Sports Confederation to include the Greenlandic flag in their uniforms, logistical hurdles prevented this from happening. Yet, Ukaleq appreciates the support from her governing body.
“It’s heartening to see them stand by us,” she notes, beaming with gratitude.
While they stand on the brink of Olympic glory, the Slettemark siblings remain grounded and focused on their upcoming competitions, including a race in Novo Mesto, Czech Republic. Yet, the longing for their homeland tugs at their hearts, especially during these unprecedented times.
“With Greenland increasingly in the spotlight, we feel that connection to home more than ever,” Ukaleq reflects. “But we plan to return by the end of March, and I can’t wait—there’s nothing better than going out to our cabin by the fjord and enjoying some mattak,” she laughs, a glimmer of home in her voice.
As they gear up for their Olympic journey, the Slettemark siblings carry not just their ambitions, but the spirit of their homeland with them, ready to share their story with the world.